Author: Hashi

Gyrinidae

Published on by Hashi1 Comment

Here’s something strange: the compound eyes of a whirligig beetle are divided into a higher part that is above water level when the beetle is floating passively, and a lower part that sits below water level. Gyrinidae are the only type of beetle with this feature.

The antennae are also unusual among beetles, being short and plump, and placed about at water level. 

Whirligigs get their common name from their habit of swimming rapidly in circles when alarmed. Adults carry an air bubble under the elytra at the tip of their abdomen, allowing them to breathe underwater. They are very social creatures, often found in large numbers swimming around on the water’s surface. There are about 700 species worldwide.

After work

Published on by HashiLeave a comment

Before driving home from my shift at the state park visitor center, I sat under a tree in the parking lot to record thoughts and sounds. I really love my (volunteer) job. The people who come in — they want what we’re selling. I don’t mean drinks and branded swag, but hiking trails, wildlife, history, geology, a respite from the city. It’s such a pleasure to answer their questions (and provoke more), show them something they‘ve never seen, give them a new experience, or provide a comfort.

And when your colleague sends you home with a bunch of art supplies? Bonus! (thanks Dave!)

Datura wrightii

Published on by Hashi2 Comments

Some people find taking hallucinogens fun, but I’m not one of them. However, I did enjoy a trip down memory lane, back to that day when we ditched high school and went down to the river to skinny dip, and there was lots of datura growing on the sandy banks … 

muffler man

Published on by Hashi3 Comments

I recently read this article about the quirky US roadside phenomena generically known as Muffler Men, though any individual giant might advertise something other than car parts. Apparently they are now very rare, but we have one in our town. Malibu’s version, erected in the late 1960s atop Frostie Freeze, originally held a massive burger. He was re-styled in 1988 to be La Salsa Man; you can read more about the conversion here. Now he’s missing his serape and tire sandals, and the store below remains empty because of septic tank issues. I wonder what his next iteration might be? Plumbing Man?